The lightning cable
Ah, the lightning cable. You know what the difference between a lightning cable and a USB-C cable is? Lightning cables help Apple make more money.
USB-C cables are universal, and lightning cables only work on Apple products. This isn’t new, Apple has used proprietary cables for its products for years, while most of its competitors stick to the same charging and data transfer tools. It makes life easier, and cheaper. But Apple users have to carry around two cables, one for their phones, and one for their laptops. Consumer advocates agree there’s no good reason for this—aside from netting Apple a few extra bucks.
That’s about to change, sort of. The European Union says Apple isn’t allowed to use its special cables anymore and it has to switch to USB-C like everyone else. Reportedly, Apple doesn’t want you to have nice things, and they’re responding with malicious compliance. Leaks suggest that the iPhone 15 will use USB-C, but if you don’t buy special USB-C cables, the charging and data transfer will be slower. It does not have to be this way.
